TY & AVERY (2024)

02:31 min • 15/01/2026

@CHINOOK_.

Athletes

Ty Kargus

Profile and significance

Ty Kargus is a Canadian freeski athlete from Athabasca, Alberta, building his profile in slopestyle and big air through the national development pipeline and FIS competition circuit. Still in his teens, he represents the kind of athlete most fans first notice at NorAm stops, national championships, and high-level regional programs—right before the wider scene learns the name. His public competition record and team listings place him as an active competitor on Alberta’s Park & Pipe pathway, with slopestyle as his primary discipline and big air as a close partner event.

Why he matters right now is straightforward: Kargus is already showing measurable, verifiable progress against the fields that feed the top level. He has logged FIS starts at major North American venues, and his provincial and national highlight results suggest a rider who is translating training into contest outcomes. For a freeski audience, that’s the early signal that a skier could graduate from “one to watch” to “finals regular” as the trick level and consistency catch up with ambition.

Competitive arc and key venues

Kargus’s competition footprint is rooted in the Canadian and North American park-and-pipe circuit. He has represented Alberta at the 2023 Canada Winter Games, a key milestone for young Canadian athletes stepping into a national stage. From there, he has continued into FIS-level events and NorAm competitions that are widely treated as the proving ground for skiers aiming at the NextGen and national-team tiers.

On the venue side, his recorded results include appearances at Whistler Blackcomb, where he posted top-ten finishes in FIS slopestyle and a top-five in FIS big air during spring 2025. He has also competed at Copper Mountain, with a ninth-place finish in a NorAm Cup slopestyle in January 2026, and at Mammoth Mountain in March 2025, another important NorAm stop that tends to draw deep fields. His listed career highlights also include a fourth-place slopestyle result at Stoneham in 2024 on the NorAm side, plus national-level highlights such as winning junior big air in 2023 and earning an overall title at a Whistler championship event in 2024.

This mix of results is meaningful for evaluating an emerging freeski competitor. NorAm and FIS events are where athletes learn to deliver under pressure, manage qualification formats, and refine run strategy—skills that often matter as much as individual trick difficulty when you’re trying to turn talent into repeatable finals runs.

How they ski: what to watch for

Even with limited public footage-based documentation, Kargus’s stated “favourite trick” is revealing: a switch 450 on to switch off a rail. That is a technical rail choice that highlights comfort in switch approach, rotational control onto a feature, and the ability to exit cleanly without losing line. In modern slopestyle, that particular combination points to a skier who understands how judges reward difficulty that still looks efficient and composed—especially when it’s done with clear body position and stable takeoffs.

When you watch him in slopestyle, the best way to evaluate his progression is to look for three contest fundamentals that translate across every course. First is speed management: does he enter features with enough pace to avoid “scrubbing” mid-run, and does he carry momentum without looking rushed? Second is trick clarity: are rotations and rail entries readable and clean, with landings that continue down the fall line instead of checking sideways? Third is run building: does he choose a coherent line where rails and jumps feel connected, rather than a set of disconnected single hits?

For big air, the emphasis shifts toward commitment and landing quality. A skier who is trending upward will usually show improved axis control, more confident grabs, and fewer “survival landings” as the season goes on. With Kargus, the practical indicator to watch is whether he can keep adding difficulty while maintaining the same calm, repeatable approach that wins qualifying rounds and keeps him in finals contention.

Resilience, filming, and influence

At this stage, Kargus’s influence is mainly developmental rather than cultural—he is not yet defined by major film segments or headline results, but by a steady climb through the athlete pathway. That matters in freeski because the sport’s next wave often becomes visible first through teams, scholarships, and the “support ecosystem” that keeps athletes training year-round. Kargus was named a recipient of the Sarah Burke Foundation’s 2025 Up and Coming Scholarship, an indicator that his competitive trajectory and commitment have been recognized within the Canadian freestyle community.

His Alberta team profile also offers a small but human detail that speaks to the grind behind emerging careers: outside skiing, he lists roofing as an interest. For many young freeski athletes, that kind of real-world anchor is part of the resilience story—balancing training, travel, school or work, and the slow accumulation of contest experience. It’s not a highlight-reel narrative, but it is often the reality behind athletes who eventually become consistent on tour.

In terms of influence on other skiers, the most immediate impact comes through example: making finals, earning top-ten NorAm results, and showing that a kid from a smaller hometown can translate local training into national and continental opportunities. That’s the kind of story that keeps younger riders motivated to stay in the pipeline long enough to break through.

Geography that built the toolkit

Kargus’s competitive identity is tied to Alberta’s training network, with his home club listed as the Calgary Freeriderz. That matters because Calgary’s environment is unusually well-suited to park-and-pipe development: athletes can train year-round with structured off-snow facilities and then move into on-snow camps and competition travel. A key geographic anchor in that system is Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, a legacy winter-sport facility that supports training across multiple disciplines and is commonly referenced as a hub for local progression.

From there, the broader geography of his results shows the classic North American freeski route: western Canadian resorts like Whistler Blackcomb for spring competition and training blocks, and U.S. destinations such as Copper Mountain and Mammoth Mountain for NorAm events. Each venue tests a different skill set—snow texture, feature style, weather, and course design—and athletes who climb quickly tend to be the ones who can adapt their skiing without losing confidence or speed.

That adaptability is especially important in slopestyle, where a skier may face radically different rail materials and jump shapes from week to week. The learning curve is steep, and Kargus’s spread of starts across Canada and the U.S. suggests he is actively building the “traveling toolkit” required to become reliable outside of home snow.

Equipment and partners: practical takeaways

Kargus’s listed sponsors provide concrete clues about his setup and support. He is associated with Faction Skis and Roxa ski boots, along with Skier’s Sportshop. For progressing freeskiers, the takeaway is not to chase exact models, but to understand why these categories matter in slopestyle and big air.

Slopestyle demands edge precision on rails and stability on landings, often in variable snow. Boots are the control center: if the fit is inconsistent, rail entries feel sketchy and jump takeoffs become less repeatable. A supportive boot and a dialed fit help a skier commit to switch approaches and rotational rail tricks—exactly the kind of technical direction implied by Kargus’s favorite rail move. Skis matter too, but at this level the biggest “performance upgrade” for most athletes is still consistency: a familiar mount point, tuned edges that match rail and jump needs, and a setup that feels identical from training to contest day.

Shop support also matters more than most fans realize. A reliable shop relationship is often the difference between a skier showing up with gear that feels perfect versus gear that feels “almost right.” In the contest environment—especially NorAm travel—“almost right” can be the difference between sticking a landing and sliding out at the bottom of the run.

Why fans and progressing skiers care

Ty Kargus is worth watching because the early markers are already on the board: national-team pathway selection, a scholarship recognizing his potential, and credible results across FIS and NorAm events at major freeski venues. He is not yet a household name, but he is in the zone where athletes often make their biggest leap—turning standout junior results into consistent performances against older, deeper fields.

For fans, he offers the fun of tracking a career in real time: seeing how a skier builds run strategy, adapts to different course designs, and gradually raises difficulty without sacrificing execution. For progressing skiers, he is a reminder of what actually moves the needle in freeski slopestyle and big air: clean switch fundamentals, rail precision, speed control, and the discipline to repeat high-quality runs when it counts. If Kargus hits his stated goal of pushing toward NorAm podiums in 2025–26, the next step is clear—more finals, more visibility, and a stronger claim on the NextGen conversation.

Brand overview and significance

Faction (commonly “Faction Skis” or “The Faction Collective”) is a Swiss-founded ski brand (established in Verbier in 2006) built by and for freeskiers—those who value creativity, steep terrain, and playful lines rather than pure race-heritage carving. The brand started as a small group of skiers prototyping shapes in the Alps, and over time has grown into a globally distributed maker of all-mountain, freeride, freestyle and touring skis. From its core identity in Verbier, Faction has leveraged a “tool of escape” ethos—skis designed to let you explore, charge, and express rather than simply carve corduroy. The brand is recognized in the scene for its athlete team, film content, and design culture, making it highly relevant for the ski-video crowd and performance-oriented skiers alike. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Product lines and key technologies

Faction’s product range now spans multiple terrain categories: all-mountain (for mixed resort/off-piste use), freeride (wider waists, rocker/camber profiles), freestyle/park (twin-tip models) and touring-oriented skis (lighter builds). Examples include the “Prodigy” series (park/freestyle focus) and “La Machine” or “Agent” skis (more dedicated freeride/touring). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

On the technology side, Faction emphasises strong wood cores (e.g., poplar or karuba), hybrid laminates combining fibreglass, carbon and sometimes titanal, oversized edges (“XL 2.5 mm Edges” in some models) and sidewalls built for durability. Their manufacturing is split across European factories (Poland/Czech) though design and prototype work is done in Verbier. Materials are FSC-certified where wood is concerned. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

Faction skis appeal to skiers who want more than just groomer performance. If you spend your days riding mixed terrain—trees, chop, powder, wind-loaded bowls—or you enjoy park laps, urban segments or hybrid resort/off-piste lines, Faction offers a ride feel tuned for creativity, stability and fun. Freeride models bring float and turn initiation for fresh snow, balanced with edge hold for firm transitions. Park/freestyle models have lighter builds, twin-tips, and playful flex for jump landings and switch skiing. Touring models lighten weight without sacrificing downhill potential. For resort skiers who ski all over the mountain and want a one-ski quiver (or close to it), Faction offers a credible option. As reviews note, “fun, versatile, and hard-charging” is part of the brand’s appeal. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

Faction’s reputation is strongly tied to the freeski and freeride film scene. The brand has produced full-length films, supports a high-visibility athlete roster (including names such as Olympic and X-Games medallists) and uses those platforms to show what its skis can do. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} In the ski gear world Faction is well-regarded as a credible independent brand that acts like a specialist rather than a mass-market generalist—this gives riders confidence in its dedication to freeride and creative skiing rather than compromise design. On the flip side, community feedback does include notes about durability or quality control in earlier seasons—so buying used or checking current build revisions may be wise. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Originating in Verbier, Switzerland, Faction continues its design work there, and considers the Alps its playground and test-bed. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} The brand’s skis are handcrafted in European facilities (Poland/Czech Republic) though many of the key testers operate in steep alpine terrain across Europe and North America—so the product DNA is rooted in big-mountain and freeride locales. This heritage matters for skiers who demand performance in challenging conditions, variable snow and terrain beyond groomers.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

Construction is robust: oversized edges, full-strength sidewalls, durable topsheets and manufacturing tolerances tuned for high-impact, high-speed skiing. For example, the Agent 1 model highlights “Full Strength Sidewall” and “XL 2.5mm Edges”. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} Sustainability is addressed through FSC-certified wood cores and a European supply chain that emphasizes material sourcing, though Faction is not quite at the sustainability narrative depth of some ultra-niche eco brands. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} Riders who keep their skis longer and service them regularly will extract the value inherent in the build. Some older seasons did raise durability questions, so checking current revision years is prudent. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

How to choose within the lineup

If you spend most of your time in the park or doing switch tricks and want lightweight playful contact, explore the Prodigy series (e.g., :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}). For all-mountain riders who need versatility across groomers and soft snow, something like the Studio series (e.g., :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}) gives balanced performance. If your terrain is freeride-centric—big bowls, powder laps, steep lines—look at models like the La Machine or Agent (e.g., :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}) with wider waists and rockered profiles. Size accordingly: longer lengths favour speed and stability, shorter lengths favour park or nimble riding. Always match to your terrain mix, weight, skiing style and preferred turn radius. Retailer reviews suggest Faction skis are fun and versatile—but may carry premium price tags. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Why riders care

Because Faction resonates with a mindset: skiing for freedom, creativity and fun—not just lining up a turn after turn. The brand’s roots in Verbier-style terrain, its film and athlete culture, and its credible build quality combine to make it appealing to skiers who push beyond the groomer and want gear that holds up when conditions get real. Whether you’re dropping a steep face, sending a jump in park or chasing powder in spring, Faction gives you a tool with identity, substance and backing. For a site like skipowd.tv that covers video, ski culture, destinations and equipment, Faction represents a merging of product and the story-world behind it.

Brand overview and significance

Roxa is a family-owned Italian ski boot specialist based in Asolo, in the Montebelluna bootmaking district at the foot of the Dolomites. The company emphasizes Made-in-Italy manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and material science to deliver light, precise boots with a strong focus on fit. Originating as an OEM manufacturer for larger names in the region, Roxa has evolved into an internationally distributed brand known for modern cabrio (three-piece) designs and refined two-piece overlap shells. For freeskiers, all-mountain riders, and tourers seeking low-mass boots with progressive flex and dependable hold, Roxa has become a credible alternative to the industry’s biggest players.

Roxa’s identity blends classic Veneto craftsmanship with CAD-driven design and 3D-printed prototyping. The result is a lineup that tends to feel lighter on the feet without giving up stiffness where it matters. From park laps to big-mountain days and hut-to-hut tours, the collection covers the spectrum with clear model families and consistent sizing logic.

Product lines and key technologies

Roxa’s range clusters into four main categories:

Freeride (R3) – Next-gen 3-piece cabrio shells with a ski/hike mechanism aimed at big-mountain skiers who may mix alpine and tech bindings. Models such as the R3 130/120 include features like adjustable forward lean, long walk-mode range of motion, GripWalk soles, and optional tech inserts. Grilamid shell construction keeps weight down while preserving torsional integrity, and BioFit CM allows qualified bootfitters to heat-mold shell zones for targeted space.

Freeski (Element) – Fixed-cuff cabrio boots built for park, pipe, and playful all-mountain skiing. The Element family uses Roxa’s 3-piece architecture to deliver a smooth, progressive flex with shock absorption that riders appreciate on rails, jumps, and firm landings. Models span a wide flex window and include women’s-specific options.

All-Mountain High-Performance (R/Fit MV) – Two-piece overlap shells for skiers who prefer the classic four-buckle feel with precise power transfer. These boots pair Roxa’s “Next Gen” overlap design with a medium-volume BioFit last and liners tuned for a balanced blend of comfort and edge drive. The broader All-Mountain (including HV options) extends fit coverage to higher-volume feet.

Touring – Lightweight cabrio shells purpose-built for human-powered days, combining walk-mode efficiency, tech-binding compatibility, and supportive downhill performance. Carbon-reinforced cuffs, waterproof gaiters on select models, and Roxa’s long-stride mechanisms help on big approaches without feeling flimsy on descents.

Across these families, hallmark tech includes the three-piece cabrio layout (separate shell/cuff/tongue for a more linear, “elastic” flex), Grilamid injection for stiffness to weight, adjustable flex hardware on select models, and BioFit CM shell-molding zones. Many freeride/freeski models offer I.R. (Intuition/Roxa) heat-moldable liners—developed with Intuition—to fine-tune hold and warmth.

Ride feel: who it’s for (terrains & use-cases)

Cabrio freeride/freeski boots suit skiers who want a progressive, damp feel with a clear “ramp-up” in support as you flex deeper into the turn. They shine in variable snow, soft landings, and playful skiing where smooth rebound matters. If you split your time between inbounds steeps, sidecountry hikes, and the occasional skin, the R3’s hike mechanism and available tech inserts make it a versatile daily driver.

Overlap all-mountain boots are ideal for skiers who prioritize immediate power transfer and a familiar four-buckle closure. Expect a more “on/off” response that grips the ski edge quickly—great for carving groomers, hard-snow precision, and aggressive all-mountain laps. Higher-volume (HV) versions cater to wider feet without sacrificing stance and leverage.

Touring models target skiers who count grams on the uphill but refuse to accept a flimsy feel on the down. With long walk-mode ROM and supportive liners, they’re built for long approaches, technical traverses, and storm-day tree laps where a light, warm boot still needs to drive real skis.

Team presence, competitions, and reputation

Roxa supports a mix of iconic and emerging athletes across freeride, freestyle, and adventure skiing. Names like Glen Plake and members of an international freeski roster contribute feedback that shows up tangibly in shell tweaks, tongue profiles, and liner shaping. The brand’s reputation revolves around comfort-first fit, modern flex behavior, and surprising downhill authority for the stated weights. Independent reviews consistently note that R3-series boots ski to their flex ratings and handle big skis in unpredictable conditions without feeling harsh.

Geography and hubs (heritage, testing, venues)

Design and production are rooted in Asolo, Treviso, part of the historic Montebelluna sports-footwear district. The area’s deep bench of plastics expertise, tooling, and bootfitting culture is unique; many renowned ski-boot companies call this zone home. Asolo’s proximity to the Dolomites enables quick prototyping-to-testing loops on real terrain—think early-morning hardpack, storm-day powder, and spring corn within a short drive. For context on the district’s legacy, Montebelluna’s municipal hub is here: Comune di Montebelluna, while Asolo’s official portal is here: Comune di Asolo.

Construction, durability, and sustainability

Roxa’s construction playbook centers on advanced polymers (notably Grilamid where appropriate), strategic wall-thicknessing, and hardware that balances weight with serviceability. BioFit CM shell-molding zones give bootfitters surgical control over hotspots, which can extend product life by solving fit issues without resorting to premature replacements. GripWalk soles and replaceable components on many models add practical longevity. While the brand leads with “Made in Italy” quality and traceability, its sustainability profile is primarily implicit—lightweight shells use less material, and heat-moldable liners/shells support keep-and-tune ownership rather than churn. Riders focused on durability will appreciate the combination of rigid cuff spines, resilient tongue materials, and robust buckles/straps across the higher-end lines.

How to choose within the lineup

Start with architecture: if you like a smooth, progressive flex for freeride and park, look at cabrio (R3, Element). If you want an immediate, locked-in race-adjacent feel for carving and all-mountain charging, consider the overlap R/Fit MV (and HV for wider feet). Then match fit volume via Roxa’s BioFit lasts and women-specific cuffs where relevant. Finally, dial features to your use-case: need tech inserts and long ROM for sidecountry tours? Prioritize R3 freeride models with ski/hike mechanisms. Mostly lift-served laps and hard-snow precision? The R/Fit MV high-performance boots with four-buckle closures will feel familiar and powerful. Park-first? The Element series offers cabrio smoothness with fixed cuffs that favor switch landings, rail work, and repeated impacts.

Why riders care

Roxa occupies a compelling niche: Italian-built, athlete-validated boots that feel notably light without skiing “lightweight.” The cabrio models bring progressive flex and rebound that flatter playful styles, while the overlap boots deliver the snap and precision that strong all-mountain skiers demand. Add in I.R. heat-moldable liners co-developed with Intuition, practical walk modes and tech compatibility where needed, and fit-friendly shell molding—and you get a lineup that speaks to comfort, performance, and longevity in equal measure. For skiers who value real-snow testing, Veneto craftsmanship, and a clear, easy-to-navigate range, Roxa is an excellent brand to have on the shortlist.

TY & AVERY (2024)

Athletes

Sponsors

Ty Kargus

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TY & AVERY (2024)

Athletes

Sponsors

Ty Kargus

Faction

Roxa boots

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